The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carb, and adequate protein diet. Rather than the body burning carbohydrates, the diet plan forces it to focus on burning the fats. This is because when there isn’t much carbohydrate in one’s diet, the liver converts fat into fatty acids and ketone bodies. So, if you choose to follow this way of eating – what types of food should be on your menu?
As the diet is focused on consuming high-fat foods, meat and fatty fish are a top choice of things to enjoy.
Unlike some other diets, this means that red meat, bacon, and sausages can all be eaten.
Eggs, butter and cream also feature on the list – as well as unprocessed cheese such as cheddar, goat, cream, blue, or mozzarella.
Slimmers on the keto diet can also tuck into nuts and seeds, healthy oils, and low-carb veggies.
Avocados – whether that’s sliced or in a serving of freshly made guacamole – also form the basis of the keto diet.
But, what foods should anyone following the ketogenic diet make an effort to limit?
In order for the diet to work, it’s recommended that foods which contain a high amount of carbohydrates are avoided.
This means that sugary foods – such as smoothies, fruit juice, and cake – are unfortunately off the day-to-day menu.
While it may usually be a go-to for some slimmers, those on the keto diet will also need to reduce their intake of fruit – except for small portions of berries.
Alcohol, which are often high in carbohydrates, should also be avoided if you’re looking to pursue ketosis.
Beans and legumes, for example peas and chickpeas, as well as root vegetables and tubers, including potatoes and carrots, are also on the list of things to limit.
What’s more, highly processed foods – such as sugar-free diet foods – are also ones to watch out for.
That’s because these products can often be high in sugar alcohols, which can sometimes affect ketone levels, Healthline reported.
In fact, low-fat or diet products in general are recommended to be avoided, due to them being highly processed and often containing a high amount of carbs.
So, other than having limited your food groups, are there any disadvantages of the keto diet?
Slimmers should be aware that this diet plan can contribute to a number of changes in the body, with a common side effect being “the Keto flu” – which, unsurprisingly, is where slimmers feel similar symptoms to those of the flu in the initial stages of their kept diet.
READ MORE: Why the keto diet is so good for shedding the pounds